Top Inside Players for the 2025 Class
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With the three-point shooting and perimeter-centric play in today’s era of basketball, the inside game has somewhat been forgotten about because of how focused teams can be on shooting now. This list shows players that prove you can win with…
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Continue ReadingWith the three-point shooting and perimeter-centric play in today’s era of basketball, the inside game has somewhat been forgotten about because of how focused teams can be on shooting now. This list shows players that prove you can win with inside-level players and around the midrange area. Here are my top five inside players for the 2025 class.
Bailey has a tall 6’9″ frame to his resume already at his age which allows him to finish over the top of the rim over anybody in his way. He has good footwork in the post to go up for easy hook shots. Bailey runs the floor like a guard and is always finding ways to cut to the paint to keep the defense off-balanced. When Bailey is in the post he can sell the pump fake shot well to go up for uncontested layups most of the time.
Munro is an athletic rim-running threat every single time he steps foot on a court. He has a strong upper body to finish through contact over multiple defenders. Munro plays under control when putting the ball on the floor or when in the post and makes smart basketball decisions for his team. He knows when to cut to the rim for the lob as well. Munro is just an overall beast down low and isn’t afraid to put a body on someone.
Oliver is an athletically gifted player in the shooting guard position standing at 6’6″. He likes to play fast, especially in the transition setting. Oliver will rise and dunk over anyone standing in his way when he decides to put his head down straight for the rim. He uses his long arms to slither around defenders in the air. Oliver can even play a little in the posted area giving him many different ways in how he can score inside.
Philemon is the type of player that likes to play fast and downhill. He is very quick off the dribble when he’s leading the way on the fastbreak. Philemon has a nice euro-step he goes to when driving to the rim. He’s just overall great at avoiding contact when finishing around the rim. There’s a type of shiftiness to his game that allow him to come up with many different ways to finish in the paint. He has an aggressive first step which he uses to get by defenders looking to press up on him.
Highlights
Ekhelar has a long frame to his game as he can use his 6’8″ height to finish over the top of defenders in the painted area. He has a soft touch around the rim that every big man should have because it is just automatic once he gets it off. Ekhelar also has an aggressive first jump to record many offensive rebounds and go back up for easy second-chance points. His ability to run the floor well sets him up for job opportunities in transition.